US20030012371A1 - Phone sock - Google Patents
Phone sock Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030012371A1 US20030012371A1 US09/900,907 US90090701A US2003012371A1 US 20030012371 A1 US20030012371 A1 US 20030012371A1 US 90090701 A US90090701 A US 90090701A US 2003012371 A1 US2003012371 A1 US 2003012371A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cover
- telephone
- receiver
- germicidal
- present
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/02—Constructional features of telephone sets
- H04M1/17—Hygienic or sanitary devices on telephone equipment
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
- H04R1/12—Sanitary or hygienic devices for mouthpieces or earpieces, e.g. for protecting against infection
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
- Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention 10 discloses a hygienic telephone receiver 18, cover 10 which comprises a germicidal screen cover 24, 26 for the ear piece and mouth piece of the telephone receiver 18. The covers 24, 26 are impregnated with a germicidal composition designed to destroy bacteria and other germicidal agents and prevent the user from becoming infected. A receiver cover 10 comprises a center elliptical opening 20 on its back 22 wherethrough the first end of a telephone is inserted and the cover 10 can then be stretched over the telephone until the second end of the telephone receiver 18 is inserted therein. A slit 28 is provided in the cover 10 for receiving the cord 30 of the telephone. Alternative embodiments equip the cover 10 with either drawstrings 38 or elastic bands 40 which connect the cover to the receiver 18. Further, the present invention can be made in both a round shape or a rectangular shape 44 in various sizes to fit both public, cell and cordless telephones and office phones.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to hygienic telephone covers and more particularly to sanitary disposable, biodegradable telephone covers. The disposable biodegradable telephone receiver cover of the present invention consists of an ear and mouth screen impregnated throughout with a germicidal composition. This is provided to protect from various diseases that may be communicated due to germs in the telephone mouthpiece and earpiece as well as the handle. The screen itself is of a loose knit material and does not impede sound incoming or outgoing. The receiver cover also consists of a center elliptical opening in the back portion which permits a receiver to be inserted therein. Once one end is inserted into the biodegradable material, it may then be stretched over the other end of the receiver until the cover is in place. The cover device of the present invention may be used on any and all public, cell, and cordless telephone receivers of various shapes and sizes to provide protection to the public using such phones. When use of the cover is complete, the user can remove and dispose of it in the trash. It is desirable to provide a disposable, simple, inexpensive biodegradable phone cover that will provide adequate protection and not interfere with clear voice transmission and reception. In addition to the above, also disclosed are single mouth piece and ear piece covers that are applied to the mouth and ear piece of a telephone receiver. These also comprise germicidal screens and are slipped over the mouth and earpiece and fastened by drawstrings or elastic bands.
- 2. Description of the Prior Art
- There are other phone receiver cover devices designed for covering phone receivers Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,418 issued to Steadman on Apr. 5, 1988.
- Another patent was issued to Colella on Apr. 4, 1989 as U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,265.
- Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,161 was issued to Trowbridge on Oct. 16, 1990 and still yet another was issued on Apr. 30, 1991 to Dale et al. as U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,513.
- Another patent was issued to Provence et al on Mar. 26, 1996 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,329. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 5,930,356 was issued to Harrison on Jul. 27, 1999.
- A removable, washable cover for a telephone handset comprises an outer fabric cover, suitably cotton, and an inner cushioning layer also preferably cotton having a cavity for receiving a telephone handset. An elongated opening is provided along the rear or front panels of the cover and cushioning layer. The edges of the cover along the opening are provided with cooperative fastening materials such as two strips of VELCRO.
- A telephone handset cover that is disposable and impregnated throughout with a germicidal composition. The handset cover has a top center slit in its back portion which permits a handset to be inserted therein. After the handset is contained within the cover, a tab that extends across the top center slit will close the slit. On the inside of the cover next to the inside adhesive surface of the tab is a second adhesive surface. This second adhesive surface connects and fixes the cover to the handset.
- A cover for a telephone handset includes a monolithic, one-piece body that has speaker-covering and earpiece-covering holes defined therein, and a speaker filter element and an earpiece filter element removably mounted on the body in covering relationship with each of the holes. The filter elements are removed and replaced after each use of the cover so that germs on one handset will not be transmitted to the speaker or earpiece of another handset by the cover.
- A
telephone handset cover 10 for covering a conventional telephone handset 1, typically of the type employed in public telephone facilities.Handset cover 10 is installed upon handset 1 with or withoutshank 16. Shank 16 may be a single piece or a plurality of pieces. Where employed,shank 16 may be separate fromcover 10 or integrally molded there into, and serves to hold handset 1 together continuous function even in the event of breakage of handset 1. Ingeneral handset cover 10, andshank 16 function to absorb or deflect impact energy directed at handset 1 to prevent damage to, or contain the damage done to, telephone handsets in public telephone facilities.Handset cover 10 is typically non-removable by the user, in that it is installed either with temporary epoxy glue strips 15 or with angledmetal closure shanks 26.Handset cover 10 may be closed either along the back of handset 1 or along the cradle side of handset 1. - A cover for enclosing the communicating portions of a telephone handset. The inventive device includes a cover assembly positionable into an abutting relationship with the mouthpiece or earpiece of a handset. An engaging assembly extends from the cover assembly for circumferentially extending about the mouthpiece or earpiece and engaging a groove extending about the handset.
- A telephone handset cover configured to closely and substantially cover a telephone handset and having an opening extending the length of one side for insertion of the handset. The handset cover is used to protect individuals from germs or other hazards associated with the use of public telephones. The handset cover is made of molded plastic material and has apertures in the mouthpiece and earpiece to facilitate normal use of the telephone handset. The opening along the one side allows a user to insert the telephone handset into the cover while the handset hangs on a telephone hook, which provides full coverage of the mouthpiece and earpiece surfaces that lie in closest proximity to the head of the user and prevents contact with the handset.
- While these phone receiver covers may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. It is there for desirable to provide a disposable, simple, inexpensive sanitary, biodegradable telephone phone cover that will provide adequate protection and not interfere with clear voice transmission and reception, and protect the public from communicating germs.
- The present invention discloses a hygienic telephone receiver cover which comprises a germicidal screen cover for the earpiece and mouthpiece of the telephone receiver. The covers are impregnated with a germicidal composition designed to destroy bacteria and other germicidal agents and prevent the user from becoming infected. A receiver cover comprises a center elliptical opening on its back wherethrough the first end of a telephone is inserted and the cover can then be stretched over the telephone until the second end of the telephone receiver is inserted therein. A slit is provided in the cover for receiving the cord of the telephone. Alternative embodiments equip the cover with either drawstrings or elastic bands which connect the cover to the receiver. Further, the present invention can be made in both a round shape or a rectangular shape in various sizes to fit both public, cell, and cordless office telephones.
- A primary object of the present invention is to provide a protective cover for telephone receivers.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide germicidal screens for the mouth and ear portions of the cover.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a simple, inexpensive, biodegradable and disposable telephone receiver cover.
- Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a telephone receiver cover that minimizes the communication of germs from phones shared by more than one person.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable, biodegradable phone receiver cover that is easily attached to a phone receiver and is provided to fit various size and shape phone receivers.
- Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide individual mouth and ear piece cover that may be fastened to the receiver mouth and earpiece by means of a drawstring or elastic band.
- Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.
- The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a germicidal screens for the mouth and ear portions of the cover. Another object of the present invention is to provide germicidal screens for the mouth and ear portions of the cover. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a simple, inexpensive, biodegradable and disposable telephone receiver cover. Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a telephone receiver cover that minimizes the communication of germs from phones shared by more than one person. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a biodegradable disposable phone receiver cover that is easily attached to a phone receiver.
- The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views.
- The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.
- In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- FIG. 1 is a pictorial illustration of the device of the present invention in use.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention showing a telephone receiver about to be inserted into the sanitary disposable, biodegradable telephone cover through an entry port located on the rear portion of the cover.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention showing the telephone receiver being inserted into the cover of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cover of the present invention mounted or attached to a telephone receiver.
- FIG. 5 is a rear view of the cover of the present invention showing an elliptical opening for insertion of a phone receiver. Also shown, a slit to allow the cord of the receiver to be inserted.
- FIG. 6 is sectional view of the cover of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the present invention, showing a telephone receiver inserted into the cover of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a pictorial illustration depicting possible dispensaries for disposable telephone receiver covers of the present invention. One dispenser for personal use and one for public dispensaries.
- FIG. 9 is a pictorial illustration depicting individual mouth and earpiece covers for a telephone receiver. A drawstring insures a snug fit to the receiver. The device of the present invention is provided in various size and shape to accommodate various type phones.
- FIG. 10 is a pictorial illustration depicting individual mouth and earpiece covers for a telephone receiver. An elastic band insures a snug fit to the receiver.
- With regard to reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the drawings.
10 present invention 12 user 14 personal dispenser 16 public dispenser 18 receiver 20 insertion hole 22 rear of cover 24 germicidal screen 26 germicidal screen 28 opening for telephone cord 30 cord of telephone 32 coin dispenser 34 mouth piece cover 36 ear piece cover 38 draw string 40 elastic band 42 round shape 44 rectangular shape - In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which FIGS. 1 through 10 illustrate the present invention being a telephone receiver hygienic cover.
- Turning to FIG. 1, shown therein is a pictorial illustration of the device of the
present invention 10 in use by auser 12. Also shown is apersonal dispenser 14 along with apublic dispenser 16 of multiple units of thepresent invention 10. Thepresent invention 10 comprises a sanitary disposable, biodegradable telephone receiver hygienic cover or sock which comprises an ear piece cover and a mouth piece impregnated with a germicide composition to prevent the user from contacting germs from thetelephone receiver 18. When one end of thereceiver 18 is inserted into thecover 10, the sanitary disposable, biodegradable telephone cover is then stretched over the other end of the receiver until insertion is complete. - Turning to FIG. 2, shown therein is a perspective view of the device of the
present invention 10 showing atelephone receiver 18 about to be inserted into the sanitary disposable,biodegradable telephone cover 10 through an entry port orphone insertion hole 20 located on therear portion 22 of thecover 10. Also shown is a firstgermicidal barrier screen 24 on the receiving end of atelephone receiver 18 and a secondgermicidal barrier screen 26 on the ear piece end of atelephone receiver 18. One end ofreceiver 18 is inserted into the sanitary disposable,biodegradable telephone cover 10 throughentry port 20 located on therear portion 22 of thecover 10 and the cover is then stretched over the other end of the receiver until insertion is complete. - Turning to FIG. 3, shown therein is a perspective view of the
present invention 10 showing thetelephone receiver 18 being inserted into thecover 10 of the present invention. Shown is a first end of thereceiver 18 being inserted through thecover insertion hole 20 whereby the sanitary disposable, biodegradable telephone cover can then be stretched over the other end of thetelephone receiver 18 until insertion is complete. Also shown is a cord access opening or slit 28 provided in thecover 10 for receiving atelephone cord 30. - Turning to FIG. 4, shown therein is a perspective view of the
cover 10 of the present invention mounted or attached to atelephone receiver 18. Shown therein is thetelephone receiver 18 inserted into the sanitary disposable,biodegradable telephone cover 10 of the present invention showing the cord access opening 28 receiving thecord 30 of the telephone. Other elements previously disclosed are also shown - Turning to FIG. 5, shown therein is a rear view of the
cover 10 of the present invention showing anelliptical opening 20 for insertion of a phone receiver. Also shown is aslit 28 to allow thecord 30 of thereceiver 18 to be inserted. Shown is atelephone handset 18 enclosed in thepresent invention 10. Thesock 10 has a centrally disposedaperture 20 and aslit 28 whereby the handset can be inserted therein. - Turning to FIG. 6, shown therein is sectional view of the
cover 10 of the present invention. Shown is the telephone hand setreceiver 18 from an end view. The hand setcover 10 is made of elastomeric material which will substantially conform to the shape of the hand set. Also shown is thegermicidal barrier 26 which will aid the user by killing some or all of the pre-existing bacteria which might be on the hand set 18 along withinsertion hole 20. - Turning to FIG. 7, shown therein is a perspective view of the
present invention 10, showing atelephone receiver 18 inserted into thecover 10 of the present invention. Shown is the telephone receiver inserted into thecover 10 showing agermicidal barrier 24 over the mouthpiece of the phone and agermicidal barrier 26 over the earpiece of thetelephone receiver 18. - Turning to FIG. 8, shown therein is a pictorial illustration depicting possible dispensaries for disposable telephone receiver covers10 of the present invention. One dispenser would be for
personal use 14 and one forpublic dispensaries 16. Acoin dispenser 32 is also shown on thepublic dispenser 16. - Turning to FIG. 9, shown therein is a pictorial illustration depicting individual mouth and earpiece covers34, 36 for a
telephone receiver 18. Adrawstring 38 insures a snug fit to thereceiver 18. The device of thepresent invention 10 is provided in various sizes and shapes to accommodate various type phones. Thepresent invention 10 may be provided in various shapes and sizes including cell phones, cordless phones and public phones. Draw strings 38 are provided which are tied around thecovers telephone receiver 18. - Turning to FIG. 10, shown therein is a pictorial illustration depicting individual mouth and earpiece covers34, 36 for a telephone receiver. An
elastic band 40 insures a snug fit to thereceiver 18. Shown are around shape 42 and arectangular shape 44 in two sizes. - What is claimed to be new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.
Claims (15)
1. An apparatus for a hygienic cover for a telephone receiver, comprising:
a) a hygienic cover, said cover for receiving a telephone receiver, said cover having a back side, said cover having a first end for receiving a first, rear piece end of said receiver and a second end for receiving a second, mouthpiece end of said receiver;
b) a first germicidal screen disposed on said first end of said cover;
c) a second germicidal screen disposed on said second end of said cover;
d) said cover being generally complementarily shaped as the telephone receiver; and,
e) said back side of said cover having an opening disposed therein, said opening for receiving the telephone receiver.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said cover is made of elastomeric material.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said cover is made of biodegradable material.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein said cover is made of paper material.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein said first germicidal screen is contiguous to said first, ear piece end of said receiver.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein said second germicidal screen is contiguous to said second mouthpiece end of said receiver.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein said opening is elliptically shaped.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said second end of said cover has a slit therein, said slit for receiving the telephone cord.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein said slit extends from said elliptical opening to said second end of said cover.
10. An apparatus for a hygienic cover for a telephone receiver, comprising:
a) a first germicidal cover for disposition on a first, ear piece end of the telephone receiver; and,
b) a second germicidal cover for disposition on a second, mouth piece end of the telephone receiver.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein said first germicidal cover and said second germicidal cover are each contiguous to said first, ear piece end and said second, mouthpiece end, respectively, of the telephone receiver.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein said first and said second germicidal covers each further comprise draw strings for being secured to the telephone receiver.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein said first and said second germicidal covers each further comprise elastic bands for being secured to the telephone receiver.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein said first and said second germicidal covers are round in shape.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 , wherein said first and said second germicidal covers are square in shape.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/900,907 US20030012371A1 (en) | 2001-07-09 | 2001-07-09 | Phone sock |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/900,907 US20030012371A1 (en) | 2001-07-09 | 2001-07-09 | Phone sock |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030012371A1 true US20030012371A1 (en) | 2003-01-16 |
Family
ID=25413281
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/900,907 Abandoned US20030012371A1 (en) | 2001-07-09 | 2001-07-09 | Phone sock |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20030012371A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050254643A1 (en) * | 2004-05-17 | 2005-11-17 | Hall Tanya G | Universal phone cover and method of use |
WO2007105191A2 (en) * | 2006-03-16 | 2007-09-20 | Uzet Patents Limited | Protective covers |
US20080055820A1 (en) * | 2006-08-24 | 2008-03-06 | William James Coleman | Protective cover for personal electronic devices |
US8605892B1 (en) | 2003-12-02 | 2013-12-10 | Bio-Med Disposable Covers, Inc. | Disposable antimicrobial covering for device |
US10239665B2 (en) | 2013-05-31 | 2019-03-26 | Donn Molineux | Sanitizing pouch for electronics |
US10763911B1 (en) | 2020-04-03 | 2020-09-01 | Open Mind Developments Corporation | Protective covering for an electronic device |
US11265411B1 (en) | 2019-11-13 | 2022-03-01 | Jose M. Schmidt | Protective cover for electronic touchscreen devices |
US11359755B2 (en) | 2012-06-03 | 2022-06-14 | Donn Molineux | Sanitizing pouch for electronics |
US11523203B1 (en) * | 2021-03-11 | 2022-12-06 | Zeenat Ali | Starch based earphone covers |
-
2001
- 2001-07-09 US US09/900,907 patent/US20030012371A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8605892B1 (en) | 2003-12-02 | 2013-12-10 | Bio-Med Disposable Covers, Inc. | Disposable antimicrobial covering for device |
US20050254643A1 (en) * | 2004-05-17 | 2005-11-17 | Hall Tanya G | Universal phone cover and method of use |
WO2007105191A2 (en) * | 2006-03-16 | 2007-09-20 | Uzet Patents Limited | Protective covers |
WO2007105191A3 (en) * | 2006-03-16 | 2008-03-20 | Uzet Patents Ltd | Protective covers |
US20080055820A1 (en) * | 2006-08-24 | 2008-03-06 | William James Coleman | Protective cover for personal electronic devices |
US11359755B2 (en) | 2012-06-03 | 2022-06-14 | Donn Molineux | Sanitizing pouch for electronics |
US10239665B2 (en) | 2013-05-31 | 2019-03-26 | Donn Molineux | Sanitizing pouch for electronics |
US10816124B2 (en) | 2013-05-31 | 2020-10-27 | Donn Molineux | Sanitizing pouch for electronics |
US11265411B1 (en) | 2019-11-13 | 2022-03-01 | Jose M. Schmidt | Protective cover for electronic touchscreen devices |
US10763911B1 (en) | 2020-04-03 | 2020-09-01 | Open Mind Developments Corporation | Protective covering for an electronic device |
US10868996B1 (en) | 2020-04-03 | 2020-12-15 | Open Mind Developments Corporation | Protective covering for an electronic device |
US11523203B1 (en) * | 2021-03-11 | 2022-12-06 | Zeenat Ali | Starch based earphone covers |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |